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Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with us and make a difference - join the fight for inclusion, acceptance, and equity for people of all abilities!
World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 is a day to spread awareness and celebrate the lives of those with Down syndrome. It was first established in 2006 after the United Nations General Assembly declared it an official holiday. This year marks the 15th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day, which just goes to show how far we've come since then! Let's take this opportunity to honor and recognize people living with Down syndrome for their unique strengths, abilities, and contributions they make every day.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1866</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Down Syndrome Identified</div><div class='timeline-text'>English physician John Langdon Down first described Down syndrome as a distinct category of mental disability.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1959</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cause of Down Syndrome Discovered</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scientists involved in chromosome research discover that Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>World Down Syndrome Day Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Down Syndrome International organization proclaims the 21st of March as World Down Syndrome Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognized by United Nations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations officially recognizes World Down Syndrome Day to raise public awareness and advocate for rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official global celebration of World Down Syndrome Day takes place, following United Nations recognition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Change of Events Due to COVID-19</div><div class='timeline-text'>Events honoring World Down Syndrome day worldwide were heavily impacted due to COVID-19. Many of such events were conducted virtually.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a local event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local event in your area to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and join in the fun! From parades to movie screenings, there are plenty of ways to get involved and show your support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraiser or donation drive for an organization that supports people with Down Syndrome. Consider hosting a bake sale, car wash, or online fundraiser to help raise money for this cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness about World Down Syndrome Day by creating posts on your social networks. You can share facts, stories, or photos related to the day and use the hashtag #WorldDownSyndromeDay to join the conversation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to volunteer with an organization that works with people with Down Syndrome. Whether you are helping out at a charity event or tutoring someone, your time and effort will make a difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch an inspiring movie</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to watch an inspiring movie about individuals living with Down Syndrome such as “The Peanut Butter Falcon” or “Life, Animated”. These movies are sure to put a smile on your face while showing the strength and beauty of those living with this condition.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raising awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Down Syndrome Day is a great way to spread awareness about the disorder and the individuals who live with it. It helps to create an understanding of what Down syndrome is and how it affects those living with it, as well as advocate for better education, healthcare and social inclusion for these individuals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Advocating for inclusion</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Down Syndrome Day helps to promote equality and inclusion by highlighting the fact that everyone is valuable. By recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome, we can show our support and create an environment where everyone is accepted and included in society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Creating understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Down Syndrome Day encourages people to learn more about Down syndrome, understand its complexities, and dispel any misconceptions they may have. It also serves as a platform for sharing stories of individuals living with Down syndrome, which can help foster greater empathy and understanding among society.</p></div></div>
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated on March 21 every year. In 2024, this day will fall on a Thursday.
2023
Mar 21
Tuesday
2024
Mar 21
Thursday
2025
Mar 21
Friday
2026
Mar 21
Saturday
2027
Mar 21
Sunday
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